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Are you a freshwater aquarist looking to make a splash in the saltwater hobby with a reef aquarium? Setting up a reef aquarium means getting accustomed to monitoring new water parameters such as calcium, alkalinity, trace elements, and salinity. Our must-have picks for the beginning reef hobbyist, below, help simplify keeping stable water parameters:
calcium, alkalinity, and trace element supplements
In order to keep a healthy reef system, you need to maintain proper levels of calcium, alkalinity, and trace elements in the water. Instead of buying three separate products to do the trick, purchase a combination supplement such as
C-Balance which replenishes all three.
reef test kit
Invest in a test kit that checks reef system specific water parameters, such as the
Instant Ocean ReefMaster Test Kit. Specialized magnesium, silica, and iodine test kits are also available.
calcium monitor and refractometer
Saltwater coral, fish, and invertebrates are incredibly sensitive to water conditions, so spend a little extra on specialized testing equipment, such as a calcium monitor or refractometer. A
digital calcium monitor can provide accurate, easy to read results with the push of a button. A
refractometer will give you precise salinity and specific gravity levels from a drop of aquarium water.
reef acclimation kit
Acclimate sensitive corals, fish or invertebrates like a professional with the
Reef Gently AccliMate container. The drip acclimation system gradually equalizes water parameters to minimize stress and shock, ensuring your new arrivals a healthy start in your new reef system.
Part 2 of the Reef Consideration series outlines some of the
best coral picks for the beginner reef hobbyist.
Find more helpful information about reef care by visiting our
Reef Keeping section in the Doctors' Information Center. |
